2618 Aluminum Forgings — Aerospace Grade

2618-T61 is an aluminum-copper-magnesium alloy in the artificially aged temper condition. The T61 designation means the material has been solution heat treated and then artificially aged to near-peak strength. This temper produces excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures — typically up to 300°F (150°C) — making 2618-T61 the standard specification for aerospace pistons, compressor impellers, and structural airframe components in demanding thermal environments.

2618 aluminum is a wrought aluminum alloy in the 2xxx series, alloyed primarily with copper (approximately 1.9–2.7%) and magnesium (1.3–1.8%), with additions of iron, silicon, and nickel. It is specifically formulated for high-temperature service, retaining tensile strength and fatigue resistance at elevated temperatures where common alloys like 2024 degrade. It is widely used in aerospace pistons, aircraft engine components, and high-performance structural forgings.

2618 aluminum forgings are primarily used in aerospace and defense applications — including aircraft engine pistons, compressor blades, airframe structures, and missile components — where elevated-temperature strength is critical. They are also used in high-performance automotive racing pistons, power generation turbine parts, and military hardware. MTS Forge serves aerospace, defense, power generation, and manufacturing customers across the United States.

Both are copper-based aluminum alloys, but 2618 is specifically optimized for elevated-temperature performance. While 2024 is stronger at room temperature, 2618 retains significantly more of its strength above 250°F and offers better fatigue resistance under thermal cycling. For applications involving sustained heat exposure — such as engine pistons or turbine-adjacent structures — 2618 is the preferred engineering choice over 2024.

MTS Forge produces 2618 aluminum forgings via closed die forging, custom forging, contour forging, and upset forging processes. Our in-house tooling design capability allows us to create a wide variety of shapes cost-effectively. Rough machining and heat treatment to T61 temper are also performed on-site at our Coatesville, PA facility, giving customers a complete forging-to-near-net-shape solution under one roof.

MTS Forge operates under a Quality Assurance Program certified to Mil I 45208, NCA 3800, and Mil Q9858, providing full traceability from raw material receipt through finished forging. These certifications are recognized by aerospace and defense procurement programs. All documentation is maintained to support first article inspection, material certification, and audit requirements commonly specified by aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

The most common heat treatment specification for 2618 aluminum is the T61 temper — solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging — which maximizes elevated-temperature tensile and fatigue properties. MTS Forge performs heat treatment in-house at its Coatesville facility. This eliminates the need for customers to source a separate heat treatment vendor, reduces handling risk, and shortens overall lead time from forging to delivery.

MTS Forge can produce 2618 aluminum forgings in a range of sizes depending on process type. Upset forgings, rings, and cylinders are available up to 26 inches in diameter and up to 1,500 lbs per piece. Closed die and custom forging dimensions are determined based on part geometry and tooling. Contact our team with your part drawing or specification to confirm capability for your specific component requirements.